Are you happy with your smile? Having a smile you aren’t scared to show off can significantly increase your mental health, and we want to help you get there. If you’re looking for a solution to crooked teeth, clear aligner therapy might be the solution. Below, we detail the basics you need to know about this process.
What is Clear Aligner Therapy?
Clear aligners are an alternative to orthodontic braces. While clear aligners functionally do the same thing as braces, not everyone wants the unmistakable look of the latter. Adults and teens alike who are not fans of the aesthetics of braces have other options to help them get the alignment they need from their dentist without the appearance they dislike. Clear aligners are removable during mealtimes to allow the person to eat without fear of food being lodged in hard-to-reach crevices of the braces. Especially if flossing is not on the daily to-do list, clear aligners may be the more hygienic option.
Braces operate with metal wires and rubber bands that push and pull your teeth into the correct position. The braces often cut and irritate the inside of the mouth, a fact which is significantly elevated if a wire end is sticking out or a bracket breaks loose. With clear aligners, you will not get the same irritation. The plastic liners fit more comfortably in the mouth—though you will still experience soreness as your teeth begin to shift. Talking with your dentist about your situation may shed light on which is the best option for you.
Types of Clear Aligners
Chances are, you’ve heard of Invisalign. At Chiu Dental, we prefer to use the brand Clear Correct. Both clear aligners operate the same, but the benefit of Clear Correct is a thinner, and more comfortable fit to your mouth. Clear Correct is less apparent to others while being worn, giving you a more subtle clear aligner therapy experience. Our specialized digital intra-oral scanner relieves the need for using physical moulds used in the process of fitting traditional braces. The digital scanner we use makes it easy for the patient to sit through this process, whereas moulds can cause mild to moderate discomfort. The scanner is a simple device that quickly takes many pictures of the inside of your mouth. It compiles these images into a virtual 3D representation of your mouth that we can use to create aligners for you.
If you have any questions about the clear aligner we use, send us a message with your questions, and we will respond as soon as we can.
Concerns to Address with Your Dentist
If you are unsure about clear aligner therapy, it’s good to address any concerns with your dentist. In a consultation, they may warn you that you must wear the aligners 22 hours a day in order to get the most out of it. Dental concerns like missing teeth, gum disease, or poor oral hygiene should be discussed before coming to a decision.
The following concerns should not be an issue with clear aligners:
- Spacing in teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crooked teeth
Your dentist will assess your oral health and let you know whether this is the right path for you. Call our office at (519) 884-0887 or email us at [email protected] to book your initial consultation today.
Chiu Dental: Waterloo, Kitchener, and Beyond
Our friendly team of dental professionals has decades of combined experience in the industry, and our number one priority is your health and happiness. To us, you aren’t just another patient; you’re a person we look forward to knowing. If you’re not yet happy with your smile, we can help!
We serve residents of Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, and the surrounding area in Ontario. Call Chiu Dental today, or send us a message and tell us what you are looking for in your next dentist. We’ll reach out soon!
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